The journey to become a veterinary technician in Connecticut is quite direct. Not only will candidates enjoy several top-quality training destinations, but they will also have access to numerous resources to improve their expertise and facilitate career growth.
Candidates interested in becoming a veterinary technician in Connecticut will be glad that the article below contains everything they need to know to launch their careers effectively and confidently. We have highlighted all the major steps involved in the process and shed some light on the key certification/licensure requirements.
Furthermore, we have reserved detailed sections to discuss the top veterinary technician training programs for students to consider and the possible salary to expect at different points in a Connecticut vet tech career.
Steps to Become a Veterinary Technician in Connecticut
The following is a step-by-step breakdown of what it takes to become a veterinary technician in Connecticut.
Step 1: Basic Requirements
The basic requirements to enter a recognized training program for veterinary technicians in Connecticut include having a high school diploma or GED.
Students will be expected to submit their official high school transcripts and, in some cases, a personal essay and letters of recommendation. Some programs will also ask candidates to be in good physical condition.
Step 2: Enroll in a Training Program
Aspiring veterinary technicians in Connecticut must use the training programs that the American Veterinary Medical Association accredits when choosing a training program. This is necessary to sit for the licensing exam.
In an upcoming section, we highlight some of Connecticut’s most popular accredited training programs for aspiring veterinary technicians.
Step 3: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination
All aspiring veterinary technicians in Connecticut must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. Administered by the American Association of Veterinary States Board (AAVSB), the exam includes 200 multiple-choice questions dealing with four major sections of veterinary technology.
These include medical nursing, management, anatomy and physiology, and dental and laboratory. Candidates must have graduated from an approved training program to qualify for the exam.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The only requirement to become a licensed veterinary technician in Connecticut is to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination. The examination is available three times a year and incurs an application fee of $300.
After passing the examination, candidates must send in their credentials, including proof of passing the VTNE, official transcripts from an approved veterinary technician program, and a $150 application fee.
These must be sent to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Examining Board for an official state license.
Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Connecticut
The following are the accredited veterinary technology training programs for students in Connecticut.
Middlesex Community College
Middlesex Community College offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology for interested candidates in the state. An accredited program, the Pieper-Olson Veterinary Hospital in Middletown is a key partner, allowing candidates to enjoy rotations.
The program can be completed in two years. It has a VTNE first-time pass rate of 76.6%.
Northwestern Connecticut Community College
Northwestern Connecticut Community College offers another accredited program for candidates in Connecticut. The program involves a lot of in-depth instructions on topics such as microbiology, parasitology, periodontology, oral radiology, veterinary office management, principles of pharmacology, and veterinary anesthesia, among others.
It has a VTNE first-time pass rate of 76.5%.
Norwalk Community College
Norwalk Community College offers the last accredited veterinary technology program in Connecticut. The program boasts a strong curriculum and a VTNE first-time pass rate of 66%.
Topics of focus include principles of pharmacology, veterinary anesthesia, veterinary technology procedures, and parasitology, among others. Candidates get the opportunity to complete two externships to acquire hands-on training under the supervision of experienced professionals in the state.
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Salary & Career Outlook
As a fresh veterinary technician in Connecticut, you may look forward to a starting salary of around $41,179, which aligns with the national average. Of course, it is possible to go above or beyond this figure.
For instance, veterinary technicians in the state who are among the highest paid typically earn an annual average salary of around $56,789.
In contrast, those among the lowest paid will still earn an annual average salary of $29,859.
Along with experience and location, credentials and establishment of employment also go a long way in determining how much a veterinary technician will earn in Connecticut.
Concerning location, Newtown and Norwalk are the state’s highest-paying cities for veterinary technicians, with annual average salaries of $56,675 and $53,034, respectively. They are followed by Middletown, Stamford, and West Hartford, where veterinary technicians earn annual average salaries of $48,882, $44,418, and $42,178, respectively.
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